Summer-Fall 2014 Newsletter of the Bucks County Historical Society Vol. 28 Number 2

IN THIS ISSUE:• RECENT ACQUISITIONS• UPCOMING EXHIBITS• STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY AT FONTHILL• ANNUAL FUND 2013• ADOPT-AN-ARTIFACT• SAVE THE DATE: COCKTAILS AT THE CASTLE• AND MORE!

Members’ ReceptionMembers came out to enjoy the

opening of the Mercer Museum’s newest

exhibit, America’s Road: The Journey of

Route 66. Guests chowed down on “road food” including sliders,

milkshakes and fries.

Front Cover: Photo of the Mercer Museum’s Central Court byamateur photographer, Brian Kutner. Brian uses the process oftone mapping to enhance the detail in a digital image.

Tom Thomas and Yvonne Marlier admire the Oldsmobile “woodie.”

Exhibit sponsor, Fred Beans Family of Dearlerships. From left

to right: Barbara Beans, Beth Beans Gilbert and Fred Beans.

Exhibit sponsor, Glenmede, in the Great Hall. From left to right: Matt Cross, Karl Murray, Mike Schiff, Jim Harris and Joe Stole.

Tom Schwabe (right) remembers his cousin, Route 66

songwriter, Bobby Troup. With Cory Amsler, Mercer

Museum Vice President of Collections & Interpretation.

Young guests enjoy the “road” food.

2

3

And the Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes Winner is...

Making All That WeDo Possible

Nancy Andal accepts her Volunteer ServiceAward from BCHS Executive Director,

Doug Dolan.

They provide countless hours of invalu-able work. They join because they

know it makes a difference. They con-tribute because they believe in our cause,in what we are doing and in our commit-ment to history. These extraordinary peo-ple are our volunteers, members, donorsand sponsors, and everything we achieveis made possible because of their support.

On June 5th, more than 150 BCHSsupporters gathered at the MercerMuseum to receive our heartfelt thanksand appreciation for their 2013philanthropy and volunteerism. Volunteersrecognized for their dedicated hours ofservice included:

INKWELL- 1,000 hours• Nancy Andal• Grover Friend

ANTELOPE- 500 hours• Rich Duvall• Linda Hodgdon• Vance Koehler• William Maeglin• William Schutt• Jacquelyn Swallow• George Wozar

PENN’S TREE- 250 hours• Lisa Crawford• Jim Kreuger• Lisa Payne-Chirico• Patricia Pepe• Susan Sciacca• Alina Wolf

The 2013 donor list was presented,highlighting the generosity of oursupporters for a variety of programs,projects and events. The list will beproudly displayed in the Mercer Museum’sGreat Hall through 2015. To view thedonor list, please visit our websitewww.mercermuseum.org. ■

More than 300 guests gathered at Fonthill Castle on April 27th to enjoy aCinco de Mayo themed party and await the announcement of the 2014

Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes grand prize winner. Robert Graham was the grandprize winner, selecting the $20,000. “It was an unbelievable feeling when I heardmy name and I had to double check to make sure I won,” said Robert. The second prize winner was Tim German, who received a $1,000 gift card provided

by Monument Bank.The third prize, twotickets to the MercerMuseum’s popularCocktails at the Cas-tle event, went toJennifer Fest. Now inits 29th year, the keyto the event’s recenthigh selling totals isthe amazing workand dedication of theMercer RainmakersCommittee. “We be-lieve in the missionand the valuablework these remark-

able, National Historic Landmark sites provide for our community,” stated JackSkudris, Committee Chair. “It makes the sale easy when you let folks know thenet proceeds support the education programs, conservation projects and com-munity services of the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.” Our sponsors in-cluded: Thompson BMW and Monument Bank.

New this year, were Mercer Amigos, sponsors who provided valuable supportto cover costs associated with the drawing party celebration. Mercer Amigosincluded:

• A Friend of Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle• Bucks Mont Party Rental• EisnerAmper, LLP• Memorable Affairs Catering• Mom’s Flower Shoppe• Port a Bowl of Pipersville

Membership MattersOur members enable the Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle to maximize

the educational value and public accessibility of our renowned collections. Mem-bers support enriching and engaging exhibitions, public programs, education servicesfor schoolchildren, and our important conservation work. In appreciation, members re-ceive expanded access to our outstanding collections, as well as our cultural enrich-ment events and activities. Our mission relies on the commitment of our members, andwe value the special connection we share. Recently, we asked some of our members totell us why their membership matters…

As a family of four, the membership to the Mercer Museum is invaluable.Coming to the opening reception for new exhibits is one of our favoriteoutings. It’s an exciting way to introduce our children to new culture. Withguest passes, we also love bringing family and friends. We enjoy exploringthe museum with our children and they love spending time in Henry Mercer’sLibrary. It’s a plus that many exhibitions are a hands-on experience.

—The Kelter Family, New Hope, PA, Members since 2011

Bill Maeglin, BCHS Board Chair , 2 friends of winner, RobertGraham (red shirt), another friend of winner, Jack Thompson

and Dennis Kelly (of Thompson BMW).

4

Plus Ultra SocietyMembers Go

Behind the Scenes

How do we prepare our changing exhi-bitions? How many movable walls

are there in the gallery spaces? Is the ship-ping and receiving area capable of accom-modating a car? These are just some of thequestions our Plus Ultra Society membersposed to Cory Amsler, Vice President ofCollections and Interpretation, when heled the group on a behind-the-scenes tour.The event, held March 13th, recognizednew members to this special group and in-cluded a unique look at the Mercer Mu-seum’s exhibition spaces. Guests enjoyedhearing about the preparations for thePlaying Together: Games and Step RightUp! exhibits, which opened in January. Asurprise presentation featuring a sideshowperformer from the Philadelphia School ofCircus Arts added a special touch to theevening.

“Plus Ultra,” Latin meaning “morebeyond,” became Henry Mercer’s ownmotto during his lifetime. Plus UltraSociety members provide vital support,through their planned giving, to ensurefuture generations experience the wonderof Mercer’s legacy. New Plus UltraSociety members recognized at the eventincluded:

• John & Elizabeth Augenblick• Melissa V. Bond, Attorney• Doris Hart Carr• Bill & Christie Maeglin• Richard B. Millham• Jim & Kathy Morrison• Kathleen A. Schea

A Planned Giving Testimonial/Appreciating the Value of ResearchIt has been over 45 years now that I have been researching the family lineage

of three brothers who arrived in Philadelphia from Germany in 1749 and settledin Bucks County. Throughout these years, the Mercer Library has been the mainsource, among many others, of information. At first there was little historicinformation available about individuals, but then, thanks to the manyconscientious volunteers and librarians, early church, cemetery, obituary,marriage and other records were documented and published. Today, the Libraryin the Mercer Museum is a county, if not statewide, treasure of immense value toresearchers. Recently, my years of research came together in the publication of my770-page “Lear Lehr History” book. In this effort, the Library and the support oftheir staff have been so valuable to me that I sought a way in my estate plans toexpress my gratitude. Making the library the beneficiary of my IRA fit right in tomy estate plans. Of late, the principal is growing faster than my requireddistributions, so I feel confident that this will be a nice legacy of my appreciation.

John W. LearMarch 31, 2014

John recently joined our PlusUltra Society, which recog-

nizes individuals who plan forthe future of the Mercer Mu-seum and Library & FonthillCastle by including the BucksCounty Historical Society(BCHS) in their estate plans.To inform us of a planned giftor to learn more about plannedgiving opportunities, pleasecontact Laura Biersmith, VicePresident of Development at215-345-0210 ext. 129/ lbiersmith@mercermuseum.org.■ John W. Lear in the Library.

Save the Date: Cocktails at the Castle

On Friday, October 10, join us asthe Mercer Museum hosts our

3rd annual Cocktails at the Castle:A Savory Exploration to Benefit theMercer Museum. Dine on our area’sfinest cuisine as you explore oursix-story castle and experience themuseum’s collection in a whole newway. You'll enjoy a variety of musi-cal entertainment, while selectingwonderful and unique Silent Auc-tion items to bid on using Bidpal'sautomated technology. Take part inour special Mission Appeal to sup-port our 2015 Firefighting Exhibi-tion. Save the Date and be a part of this special night...Your attendance makes atremendous difference and helps to support our education programs, conservation efforts and community services! Look for your invitation this summer. For information,call Eileen Shapiro 215-345-0210, ext. 132.

5

Newsletter readers who visited our 2012exhibit, Stitches in Time, know that the

Mercer Museum holds an extensivecollection of needlework samplers – oftenwith Bucks County associations. Thatcollection continues to grow. In April, themuseum acquired a sampler worked in1824 by twelve-year-old Eliza Weldon ofMorrisville, Bucks County. Brought to themuseum’s attention by Historical Societymember, David B. Long, the item’spurchase was made possible with fundsprovided by Long and by the HistoricalSociety’s Collections Committee.

The Weldon family resided inMorrisville in the 1820s – a fact borne outby tax records from the era. Eliza’s father,Hugh Weldon, is listed as a sawyer in thetax lists, living with his family on a halfacre lot in Morrisville. In 1820, he wasassessed for this lot, his occupation, andtwo cows. Hugh apparently died in 1833or 1834, since by the latter year the tax listreferences only the “Hugh Weldon Estate.”The family disappears from theMorrisville tax lists in 1836.

Into her sampler, young ElizaWeldon worked the name of herteacher – “E. Burton” – as well asher own name. It was notuncommon for girls learning theneedle arts to credit their instructorin their completed works. Records inthe Bucks County Archivesfurther identify Eliza’steacher as Eliza Burton, whofiled bills to the county forteaching poor children from1823 through 1827 inMorrisville. In fact, theWeldon’s themselvesapparently could notafford to pay tuitionfor their own children.Appearing on “MissBurton’s” bills are thenames of several Weldonchildren – Eliza’s brothersand sisters – in addition toEliza herself.

Unfortunately, the exactlocation of the school attended bythe Weldon children is notidentified in any of these so-called“poor bills.” It is referenced simplyas “the school of Eliza Burton,” aprivate establishment that wouldhave been supported by families in

the neighborhood and that offered ageneral curriculum typical of the era.Burton, for example, billed the county forspelling books and English readers – aswell as paper for her charges. For thosewho could afford it, she invoiced eachfamily for tuition (which paid her salary),and for supplies. Those children whosefamilies wished them to attend school, butcould not afford the fees, were enrolledand educated at the county’s expense.Tuition fees were based typically on thenumber of days a student actually attendedschool.

Burton’s school accommodated a largenumber of students. Enumerated on herpoor bills are as many as 21 children ineach school session, a number which doesnot include those pupils whose familiescould afford the tuition. Typically, how-ever, children did not attend school everyday, so daily attendance was likely smaller.In an era before compulsory, publicly-sup-ported education, children might attendschool only a handful of days in each ses-

sion. Eliza, the maker of the sampler,attended the Burton school for 65days between January and Aprilof 1824. However, she only sawthe inside of the classroom for a

total of 34 days between April andSeptember. It’s very likely that shewas needed at home during the

spring and summer months.Eliza Weldon’s name only

appears on Burton’s bills in1824, indicating that mayhave been the only yearshe attended school – thesame year she completedher sampler. Other Weldon

children – Roland, Charles,Frances (or Fanny) and Mary– appear on bills in subse-quent years.

The execution of a samplerwas often evidence of a middle

class upbringing – proof that achild’s parents possessed the

wealth and status to send adaughter to school to learnfancy sewing. In the case of the

Weldon needlework, it is in-teresting that even a “poor”child – or at least a childwhose parents could not af-ford to pay the school tuition– was able to complete a sam-

pler. We are indebted to “Miss Burton” forproviding her twelve-year-old student withthe instruction and encouragement neces-sary to demonstrate her needle skills, andto our contributors who enabled us to acquire the result of Eliza’s labor, one hundred and ninety years later.

We also owe a “thank you” to anotherdonor whose gift of objects has enhancedthe museum’s collection. James Wiley, along-time toy collector and volunteer inthe museum’s library and curatorial de-partments, donated a number of his tin andcast iron toys, mechanical banks, boardgames and other playthings to the museum during the winter months. Manydecades in the making, his “Wiley’s

Needlework Sampler, Toys, Highlight Recent Acquisitions

…continued on page 6

NEEDLEWORK MARKING SAMPLER. Wrought byEliza Weldon, Eliza Burton’s School, Morrisville,Bucks County, 1824. Museum purchase withfunds provided by David B. Long and the BucksCounty Historical Society CollectionsCommittee, 2014.

MECHANICAL TOYDRUMMER.Wolverine Supplyand ManufacturingCompany,Pittsburgh, Pa., c. 1935. Gift ofJames Wiley, 2014.

6

World” collection provided not only agreat deal of pleasure for its owner, butalso served to illustrate and enhance themany programs he presented to commu-nity groups and organizations over theyears. Jim’s generous loan of artifacts tothe Mercer Museum’s annual Under the

Tree exhibit has helped to make that showa “must see” for visitors. Now that Jim isdivesting himself of his collection, we aregrateful that he has selected a number ofitems to come to the museum. It will be anhonor to care for and preserve this portionof the “Wiley’s World” collection in the

years to come. In addition to the above, we are also

grateful for the donation of items related tothe Farmers’ National Bank of BucksCounty (gift of Lawrence Kramer), andtwo tin stencils from the Hart Family ofDoylestown (gift of Cory Amsler). ■

In our last issue, we highlighted the acquisition of a guest register from the

“Fell Guest House” in Holicong, BucksCounty. The name of the apparent hostelryderived from the title of an illustrationfound in the volume, drawn in pen by artistGeorge Sotter. Acquired at a local auction,the book spans the years from 1919 to1938, and features the signatures and comments of many visitors, including anumber of well-known local figures likeartist George Sotter and anthropologistMargaret Meade. Unfortunately, limitedinformation made it difficult to establish

much context for the book.Having read the story in the last issue,

however, two BCHS members called toclarify the history of the “guest house.”According to the callers, both related to theoriginal owners of the property, the guest book belonged to Edward Watson Fell and Anna (Fell), whose home,“Wheelbarrow Hill,” was located onHolicong Road in Buckingham Township,Bucks County. Apparently Anna enjoyedentertaining, and hosted card parties andother gatherings at a small house, locatedjust across Holicong Road from their own

home. The little structure, once known asthe “Becky Watson house,” did not featureaccommodations for overnight guests butwas simply a retreat where the Fells couldenjoy their company. All of the autographsin the book represent friends andacquaintances of the Fells who enjoyedspending time playing cards and socializing,and who appreciated Anna Fell’s goodcooking. Anna and Edward enjoyed a wide social circle, as the names in thevolume include some of Bucks County’sleading artists, writers, intellectuals andprofessionals of the 1920s and ‘30s. ■

DRAWING IN THE “FELL GUEST BOOK.” Doylestown physician (and sometime artist) Frank B. Swartzlander left this drawing in theguest book acquired in 2013 by the Mercer Museum. The sketch depicts the Swartzlander family in their car, and includes not only“mom” and “pop,” but also their children, Ellen, Mary and Frank – and the dog, “Mac.” The Swartzlanders visited Edward andAnna Fell frequently at their home, “Wheelbarrow Hill,” on Holicong Road in Buckingham Township.

The Fell “Guest House”

Needlework Sampler, Toys Highlight Recent Acquisitions continued from page 5

7

Since our last issue, three objects from the Mercer Museum’sfirefighting collection have been “adopted” by donors.

These objects are currently undergoing conservation treatment in preparation for our summer 2015 exhibition, To Save Our Fellow Citizens: Firefighting in Nineteenth-Century Philadelphia. The three objects are among a groupingof about thirty artifacts which the museum hopes to conserve inadvance of the exhibit. Most of the Mercer Museum’sfirefighting artifacts were acquired in 1919, when the VolunteerFiremen’s Association of Philadelphia (VFA) was seeking ahome for its collection. After the city of Philadelphia phasedout its volunteer fire companies in 1871, turning instead to apaid fire department, the surviving volunteers established theVFA. The Association kept the memory of the volunteers’service alive, with its members participating in parades andvisiting their counterparts in other cities well into the twentiethcentury. The VFA even maintained its own headquarters onButtonwood Street in Philadelphia, filling an old firehouse withmemorabilia assembled by its membership.

By 1919, however, with most of the old volunteers havingpassed away, the VFA chose to divest itself of its collection anddissolve its organization. When no city institutions steppedforward to accept the materials, Henry Mercer madearrangements for the collection to come to Doylestown.Consisting not only of artifacts, but also numerous photographs,manuscript records and other archival items, the collection maybe the largest single group of materials acquired duringMercer’s lifetime. Its significance lies both in its historicalimportance as well as in its aesthetics – many of the artifacts are

striking examples of American folk art. Talented Philadelphiaartists like John Woodside and David Bustill Bowser often puttheir talents to work in painting the volunteers’ adornments.From painted engine panels and banners to decorated paradehats and fire buckets, the early volunteer companies sought tooutdo one another in the quality of their ornamentations.

More than 150 years later, the parade hats, buckets and otherdecorated objects need care. Dirt, smoke and old varnishcoatings have darkened and obscured the vivid painteddecoration. Based on prior experience, proper conservationtreatment will dramatically transform the artifacts, restoringmuch of their original luster and aesthetic quality. Suchtreatments are painstaking and time consuming, requiring thetalents of a professional conservator. While we are very pleasedthat a few generous donors have chosen to sponsor treatmentsfor three objects, many more still require care. Can you help?

A complete listing of firefighting objects to be “adopted” isposted on the Mercer Museum’s website. Simply go to:http://www.mercermuseum.org/join-and-support/adopt-an-artifact/. Your gift in the amount indicated will entitle the donorto a “certificate of adoption,” plus recognition in museumcatalog records and in label copy for the planned 2015 exhibit.Gifts can be made in the name of the donor, on the part of agroup or organization, or in memory of a loved one – perhapsthemselves a firefighter!

For more information, or to have the list of needy artifactssent directly to you, please contact the Mercer Museum’s V.P.for Collections and Interpretation, Cory Amsler, at 215-345-0210 ext. 127, or at camsler@mercermuseum.org. ■

“Adopt-an-Artifact” Campaign Update

These two images illustrate the dramatic transformation possible through proper conservation treatment and cleaning. Thefirst image is of an un-conserved parade hat in the museum’s collection. The second photograph shows a similar hat, treatedby a professional conservator in 1998. Both hats, and the name of the hose company itself, were inspired by the shootingdeath of George Shiffler, a nativist agitator killed during anti-immigrant violence in Philadelphia in 1844.

FIREMAN’S PARADE HAT. Shiffler Hose Company, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, c. 1850. Gift of the Volunteer Firemen’s Association ofPhiladelphia, 1919.

FIREMAN’S PARADE HAT. Shiffler Hose Company No. 1, probablyCamden, New Jersey, c. 1850. Gift of the Volunteer Firemen’sAssociation of Philadelphia, 1919.

In this issue, we continue tofollow the progress of the Mercer

Museum’s construction, an effortwell underway one hundred yearsago this year. In the last installment,Henry Mercer had fired one of hisworkmen who he believed had beenintentionally slowing down theproject – and possibly sabotagingequipment. After the worker wassent packing in the summer of1914, Mercer began to make up forlost time.

Mercer’s workmen spent most ofthe autumn of 1914 completing themuseum’s third floor. This includedthe library – then just a relativelysmall room with a mezzanineintended to serve as the researchfacility for the Bucks CountyHistorical Society. (The library wasexpanded further in the 1930sshortly after Mercer’s death.) To payhomage to Bucks County’s historyand geography, Mercer planned toinstall numerous mosaics and othertile embellishments in the library.The result is the most richly-decorated room in the original museum, and reflects Mercer’sinterest in tile as a story-telling medium.

In the library’s vaulted ceilings,Mercer inset mosaics depictingscenes from local history, includingimages of Washington crossing theDelaware, the Walking Purchase,and John Fitch’s development of the steam boat. In the room’s lowercolumns, Mercer set the names of Bucks County’s waterways, while above the mezzanine thecolumns’ capitals displayed thenames and emblems of the County’svarious townships. In the ceiling’s“groins” – the lines where the vaultsintersect – are emblazoned thenames of Bucks County’s variousboroughs and villages. An entry in Mercer’s construction notebook forNovember 11, 1914 noted that bythat date the library’s ceiling wasfully finished.

Doylestown was experiencing along drought in the fall of 1914. Thedry weather meant that work couldcontinue unabated on the museumbuilding, perhaps making up fortime lost the previous summer.However, Mercer also grew

concerned that the water supply in the cistern was dwindling. Heexpressed relief that forecasters were calling for more rain by theend of November.

Even as his workmen were finishing the third floor and library,Mercer was rapidly drawing sketches and plans for the levelsabove. On November 8, he noted that the cost of the new museumamounted to $13,700 in labor and materials to date.

As we continue to celebrate the museum’s centennial, futureissues of this newsletter will chronicle the building’s progressthrough 1915 and 1916.■

8

Collections on the Road!The Mercer Museum’s loan program continues to be

strong and a great source of pride, traveling to prestigious institutions and educating audiences young andold. Visit our artifacts at the following institution:

While chairs play a practical role in everyday life, thisexhibit explores the men behind these “pieces of art,” andtakes a closer look at the intricate carving and paintdetailing that went into each piece. The Mercer Museum ispleased to lend several woodworking and graining toolsused by one of these extraordinary nineteenth centurycraftsman, Lancastrian George Nees.

For more information on these artifacts, please visit our on-line catalog RolloPAC and keyword search “George Nees.” ■

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum,Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Chairs! Chairs! Chairs! –Handcrafted Traditions from Rural

Pennsylvania, 1750-1875March 9 − December 31, 2014

One Hundred Years of the Mercer Museum, 1914 - 2014

DETAIL OF TILE DECORATION, ORIGINAL MERCER MUSEUM LIBRARY, [2012].Mercer’s tile and mosaics in the original library celebrated Bucks County’shistory and geography. Image courtesy of Carla Klouda.

ORIGINAL MERCER MUSEUM LIBRARY, C. 1916. One hundredyears ago this fall, Henry Mercer’s workmen were just finishingconstruction of this portion of the new museum. This imageshows the library room, with several tile installations visible,before books were placed on the shelves.

Our newest exhibit, America’s Road: The Journey of Route66, opened on May 31 in the museum’s Martin & Warwick

Foundation Galleries. The popular show features graphic displays, props, artifacts, and interactive and multi-media experiences that tell the story of the iconic American highway– U.S. Route 66 – from its opening in 1926 up to the presentday. A 1965 Ford Mustang, in original and un-restored condi-tion, is also included in this traveling exhibit – a particularlyappropriate artifact since 2014-15 marks the 50th anniversaryof the Mustang model. America’s Road is produced by NRG!Exhibits of Kirkland, Washington. The show will run throughAugust 24.

In addition to the traveling portion of the exhibit, several classiccars are also on view, courtesy of Bucks County collectors.Visitors to the show will discover a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, 1957Ford custom police car, 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, 1941Oldsmobile “woodie” wagon, 1957 Pontiac “Star Chief ” wagon,and a 1969 Mercedes 600 short-wheelbase base limousine onceowned by Elvis Presley. The museum is grateful to collectors BillCrossland, Ken Sylvester and Gene Epstein for the loan of thesevehicles. The museum has also added several artifacts and imagesconnected with local automotive culture from its own collectionsto round out the show.

Programs related to the exhibit are scheduled throughout thesummer. Our “America's Roads.” series features lectures andpresentations focused on roadside architecture and the history ofroads, highways and raceways in and across the country.Rounding out our America’s Road programming are several craftand story activities, and a toy car derby day, for youth and familyaudiences. Check out the museum’s on-line calendar of eventsfor all of our upcoming programs.

We are grateful to the following sponsors for their support ofthe Rt. 66 exhibit and its related programming: Fred BeansFamily of Dealerships, Glenmede, Law Offices of William L.Goldman and David & Doree Wickman. ■

9

Route 66 Exhibit and Programs Continue at Mercer

WIGWAM MOTELS, LOCATED IN HOLBROOK, AZ (PICTURED) & SAN BERNARDINO, CA. Two of the most recognizable structures along Route 66 are thesurviving “Wigwam” motels. Built to resemble tipis, not wigwams, the bungalows were once part of a chain that included motels in several other statesacross the country. The Wigwams are just some of the roadside architecture featured in the exhibit, America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66, now on viewat the Mercer. Courtesy of NRG! Exhibits.

Doylestown Walking Tour of 2014: “Car Culture”

On August 15, enjoy a step back in time to exploreDoylestown’s automotive history. From gas stations and

garages to diners and dealerships, this family-friendly eveningwalking tour makes stops at sites and architectural treasuresrelated to local car culture. The tour begins at the Mercer Museum’s front entrance. Tour times are at 5:30 and 7:15 p.m.Adults: $11/$9 members; Children (6-12): $6/$4 members.Call 215-348-9461 to register and reserve your space.

MCLAUGHLIN’S GARAGE, MAIN STREET, DOYLESTOWN. Home of theHayman Motor Company, this former Chevrolet dealership andservice station is now the site of Doylestown’s Main StreetMarketplace. Learn more about its history by joining us for the “Car Culture” walking tour on August 15. Mercer Library Collection.

Henry Chapman Mercer Society - $10,000+ Ken & Peg Swanstrom

Tom & Patti* Thomas

Elizabeth Chapman LawrenceBenefactors - $5,000-$9,999 Ms. Elizabeth H. Gemmill

Brian & Louise McLeod

William Watts Hart Davis Patrons - $2,500-$4,999 Ms. Geraldine H. Happ

Jim & Kathy Morrison

Judy & Bud Newman

Fred & Taffy Schea

Horace Michener Mann Circle- $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous

Ms. Debra C. Andrews

John & Liz Augenblick

Carol & Louis Della Penna

Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Dunleavy, Jr.

John & Susan Eichert

Phil & Melissa Eiseman

Mr. & Mrs. Grover J. Friend

Ms. Linda B. Hodgdon

Ms. Susan E. Kane

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Katsiff

The Malmark, Inc. Charitable Fund, In Memory of Jacob & Josephine Malta

William & Patricia Marshall

Mr. & Mrs. John Mauro

Dr. Donald E. Morel

Joan B. & Donald E. Parlee

Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. Paynton, Jr.

Ms. Michelle Pedersen

The Pfundt Foundation

Michael & Joanne Raphael

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan J. Reiss

Nancy C. Tilley

Ms. Jennifer Wheatley

Marvin & Dee Ann Woodall

Albert & Jane Wurz

Mr. & Mrs. David Wurz

Warren S. Ely Partners - $500-$999 3rd Fed Bank

Robert & Pamela Byers

Heather Cevasco & John Platek

Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Cowgill

Mrs. Mary Ann P. Darlington, In Memory of Hillborn Darlington, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Davis

Joseph R. & Suzy Feilmeier

Dr. & Mrs. John J. Gribb

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hebel

Roy & Nancy Kolb

Mr. & Mrs. William D. Maeglin

Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Meyer

Stephen & Patrice Raab

Dr. Amy Schmidt & Dr. Seth Weiner

Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. Wilson

Laura & Frank SwainGuardians - $100-$499Anonymous (2)

Mr. Manny Alvarez

Donna Andrews

Mr. & Mrs. William E. Benner

Orland & Nancy Bergère

Mr. & Mrs. William E. Bierlin, Jr.

Laura & Michael Biersmith

Mr. & Mrs. Edward G. Biester, Jr.

Mrs. Patricia G. Bitzer

Ms. Melissa V. Bond, Esq.

Ms. Audrey A. Bostwick

Mr. Jeffrey T. Bretz

Mr. & Mrs. Jay Brodish

Martin & Rebecca Brooks

Mr. & Mrs. Kenyon Brown

Bruce & Elka Brundage

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce B. Burkart

Ms. Lynn T. Bush

Dr. & Mrs. Richard Cavanaugh

Maureen and Mark Carlton

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher B. Chandor

Stan* & Mary Jane Clemens

Mr. & Mrs. Chester R. Closson, Jr.

The Cook Family

Heather Cousins & Family, In Honor of Brian McLeod

Stuart & Susan Dearden

Carolyn & Joe Della-Rodolfa

Mr. & Mrs. Merrill Detweiler

Doug & Joy Dolan

Mr. & Mrs. Ken Doukas

Mrs. Polly (Mary) H. Dunn

Boyd A. England & PenelopeFleming

First Savings Community Foundation

Robert & Lutzi Fischer

Mrs. Janet S. Fleck, In Memory of Edwin L. Fleck, Jr. (Lou)

Mr. & Mrs. Jay A. Folkes

Patrick & Mary Fowles

Dr. Stuart A. Fox

Thomas & Karen Gates

James & June Goodwin, In Memory of Anna Shopa Gawronski

Mr. Albert E. Goss

Mr. & Mrs. James Groman

Andy & Ellen Happ

Krista P. Harper

Donald & Louise Heath

Peggy & Bill Hecht

Nina L. Heitz

Janice & James Hicks

Hayward & Deborah Holbert

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hutchison

Ms. Ellen Idelson

William & Alexis Islinger

IWear Optical Boutique

Michael J. Kane

Dr. Thomas J. Kardish M.D., In Memory of Patricia A. W. Kardish

David & Joanne Keller

Ken & Sue Ellen Keenan

Mrs. Ann B. Kleinsasser

Mrs. Alice S. Kohn*, In Memory of Wm. Kohn, III

Krempa Associates, Inc.

Dr. Michaeleen Lee

Mr. & Mrs. Norman Douglas Lilyroth

Molly Lowell & Rich Duvall

Mr. & Mrs. Chi Mo

Ms. Carol Manicone

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence K. Mann

Ahmed Mazaheri, M.D.

Donald & Grace McClintock

Mr. Christopher Mann Meyer,Great Grandson of first Curator,Horace Michener Mann

Mr. George E. Michael

Mrs. Jacquelin F. Mohr

Mrs. Stewart G. Montgomery, In Memory of Mr. Stewart G. Montgomery

Miss E. Lois Myers

Mr. Stephen F. Osborne

Mr. & Mrs. William C. Patterson

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Perea

Ms. Margaret E. Phillips

Mr. & Mrs. David W. Price

John & Marquerite Quinn

Ms. Susan Retz & Mr. Chuck Lovett

Richard & Margaret Rex

Mr. & Mrs. Paul L. Rhoads

Steven & Kay Rock

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Roedel

Ms. Loretta Rogers

Mr. & Mrs. Blair T. Rush

Mrs. Jean W. Rutherford

Mr. Paul Savidge & Mr. Dan Macey

Marilyn W. Schaumburg

Mr. Rich P. Schaumburg

William R. & Laurie R. Schutt

Mr. & Mrs. J. Ronald Schumann

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Shapiro, In Honor of Eileen Shapiro & Cory Amsler

David W. Shields

Sheila & Richard Singer

Mr. Jack Skudris

Peter & Barbara Sperry

Sally Steinbach

Dr. & Mrs. David S. Svahn

Lynn & Shelley Taylor

10

We Are Very Grateful to All of OurThe Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle are grateful for the generous

2013 Annual Fund support provided by the following individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations. We are honored to share our commitment to history with these very special contributors and donors.

Dr. & Mrs. John W. Tomlinson

John & Kate Trainer

Robert & Alice Vernon

Dennis and Suzanne Walsh

Mr. & Mrs. Lou White

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Willard

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Winey

Lynne Poirier-Wilson & James Wilson

Mrs. Shirley Wunsch

Jack & Paula Young

Rollo & Lucy Friends – Under $100 Ms. Helen Ahrendt

Mrs. Helen R. Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Albert K. Antrobus

Mrs. Barbara Barger

Mr. & Mrs. David E. Beal

Ms. Caroline Biersmith

Mr. Luke Biersmith

Miss Marilyn Bird

Mr. & Mrs. David Blumenfield

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Boyle

Anthony Buonanno

Dawn & Jeff Byers

Mrs. Doris H. Carr

Mr. & Mrs. Denis Chiappa

Dr. Kevin A. Cody

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Conroy

Karen Cook & John Cook

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Crofts

Mr. Jesse Crooks

Mr. & Mrs. John Dooley

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W.Dougherty

Dennis & Coni Dungan

Mrs. Sarah W. Fell

Ruth Ann & William W. Focht

Mr. Joseph R. Gavaghan

Mr. J. Lawrence Grim, Jr.

Ken & Phyllis Haldeman

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew S. Hamilton

Kelly L. Harris

Robert & Kay Hastings

Michael & Constance Healy

Mr. & Mrs. David L. E. Jacobs

Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Jamison

Mr. Edward F. Kenna

Mr. Ronald Kershner

Charles & Andrea Kircher

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Klings

Ms. Phyllis Krause

Mr. & Mrs. John L. Kreischer

Mr. & Mrs. William Letvenko

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Livrone

Mr. & Mrs. William MacDowell

Ms. Cynthia Maeglin

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Marino

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph McGarvey, Sr.

Mrs. Lynn McGrory

Mr. Sean McKeon

Mr. & Mrs. George Miller

Jennifer R. Montgomery

Mr. William B. Murphy, Jr.

Mr. K. Timothy Nolt

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice D. Oaks

Mr. Carl Paffendorf & Ms. Layce Gebhard

Mr. & Mrs. George E. Page

Mr. & Mrs. Rodney J. Pursell

Miss Kate Reilly

Mr. William Ridge

Mrs. Carol A. Roberts

Nanci P. Remmey

Mr. & Mrs. John Roberts

Adrienne Royden & Fran Kayne

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Salvadore

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen L. Schreiner

Sharon & Mark Schwartz

Phyllis F. Sexton

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Shaeffer

Anne & Larry Shultes

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel R. Snyder

Ms. Jennie R. Sperling

Mr. & Mrs. Richard St John

Ms. Patricia Steele

Cathy D. Stevens

Ronald L. Strouse & Frederick L. Cresson

Therese Szczurowski

Jack & Karen Taylor

Mrs. Sally Thrane

Mr. & Mrs. John G. Thompson

John Toner & Rebecca Bushnell

Mrs. Henrietta Tyson

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Wharton

Janeen White

Christine & Michael Wolstenholme

Mr. & Mrs. William S. Woodward

Mr. Chester Wurtz

Mrs. Margaret K. Yu, In Memory of Harvey Yu

Matching Gift Companies: BNY Mellon Community

Partnership

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

Merck Partnership for Giving

The Prudential Foundation

* deceased

11

2013 Annual Fund Donors

Our 2013 Annul Fund was a great success,with more than $115,000 contributed by

our remarkable supporters. So how did thesefunds benefit our mission? Here are a few ofthe major achievements resulting from yoursupport:

• Four exhibitions including our awardwinning Turning Points: Civil War, 1863-1864 and the traveling shows Linedrives &Lipstick and Mystery of the MayanMedallion.

• Quality visitor services for the 100,000guests who toured the Mercer Museum andLibrary & Fonthill Castle last year.

• Outstanding educational programs formore than 8,000 schoolchildren.

• Incomparable Library services to 2,200users by providing access to collectionsinformation.

We recently launched our 2014 Campaign,with board giving as the first phase. When your2014 Annual Fund request arrives in the mail in the next few months, please considersupporting our valuable work. Remember, your contributions enable us to present qualityprograms, changing exhibitions, and enriching activities for visitors of all ages. ■

Your Annual Fund Support Makes History Happen

School program in the Mercer Log House.

Allu

re W

est

Stu

dio

s

This fall, the Mercer Museum will hostthe traveling exhibit “For All the

World to See: Visual Culture and theStruggle for Civil Rights” (September 6 –October 26, 2014). The exhibit exploreshow visual culture transformed the strug-gle for racial equality in America from thelate-1940s to the mid-1970s. It is not a his-tory of the Civil Rights Movement, but anexploration of the range of images—bothpositive and negative—that influencedhow Americans perceived race and thestruggle for equality.

The exhibit focuses on two forms ofvisual media: commercial images, seenon popular TV and consumer goods; andimages seen in the news. These powerfulvisuals jolted many Americans, bothblack and white, out of a state of denial orcomplacency. As EBONY founder JohnH. Johnson put it, magazines andtelevision “opened new windows in themind and brought us face to face with themulticolored possibilities of man andwoman.”

Images in the exhibit include photographsfrom LIFE, JET, and EBONY magazines;CBS news footage; and TV clips from TheEd Sullivan Show. Also included arehistorical objects that illustrate a range ofnegative and positive imagery-from AuntJemima syrup dispensers and 1930s produceadvertisements, to Jackie Robinson baseballephemera and 1960s children’s toys withAfrican-American portraiture. The travelingexhibit was curated by Dr. Maurice Berger,research professor at the University ofMaryland, Baltimore.

The exhibition has been made possiblethrough NEH on the Road, a special

initiative of the National Endowment forthe Humanities. It has been adapted and isbeing toured by Mid-America ArtsAlliance. For All the World to See: VisualCulture and the Struggle for Civil Rightswas organized by The Center for Art,Design, and Visual Culture, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in

12

Coming Soon: Nationally Touring Civil Rights Exhibition

ERNEST C. WITHERS, Sanitation Workers Assembling for a Solidarity March, Memphis. March 28, 1968, Gelatinsilver print, 8 1/2 x 14 3/4 in., National Museum of African American History and Culture,Smithsonian Institution, Purchase. Featured in the exhibit, For All the World to See.

ADVERTISING TRADE CARD, Phoenix Card Company, New York, New York, c. 1880-1900. Such images,while often difficult to view, provide powerful evidence of white attitudes toward African Americans inthe 1800s and early 1900s. Mercer Library Collection.

TRADE FIGURE, Eastern United States, c. 1875.This caricatured image of an African-Americanminstrel, with exaggerated facial features andproffering a bundle of cigars, was acquired byHenry Mercer in 1907. Such images – typical ofthe late 19th and early 20th centuries –reinforced popular notions of blacks asclownishly happy and contented, and provided ajustification for white superiority. The tradefigure will be included in the Mercer Museum’sexhibit, “Hurtful Things,” a companion to thetraveling display, For All the World to See:Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights,opening this fall.

MEDGAR EVERS FUNERAL, Life Magazine, June28, 1963. Photo: E. G. Shempf.

Fonthill Castle is many things to manypeople. For some, it’s a place of mys-

tery with its stairs, winding passagewaysand shadows. Other people may see it asan architectural wonder, with its vaulted ceilings and textured concrete walls. Andsome see Fonthill as a source of artisticinspiration. For many years, the advanced

photography students from CentralBucks School District High Schools havevisited Fonthill and used its colors, pat-terns, angles and objects as the focus oftheir photography projects.

This past academic year, three groupsof students in Stephanie Ferraro’s CentralBucks West High School Photography III

class visited Fonthill. As with year’s past,the goal of the students was to study thearchitecture and photograph with filmcameras “unusual perspectives” bothindoors and out. Once the students were back in the classroom, they printedtheir most eye-catching photographs.

13

partnership with the National Museum ofAfrican-American History and Culture,Smithsonian Institution.

For All the World to See is generouslysponsored by: Tom & Patti Thomas,*Honorable Clyde W. Waite & VernaHutchinson and William Penn Foundation.Support for programming provided by:The National Endowment for theHumanities, The Pennsylvania AbolitionSociety, Melissa V. Bond, Attorney, CeileE. Hedberg, Norman & Inez Bing, JoyceA. Hadley, and Yvette E. Taylor-Hachoose.

In conjunction with the travelingexhibit, the Mercer Museum will mount acompanion display featuring objects fromour own and local private collections. Theexhibit, tentatively titled “Hurtful Things,”will feature artifacts and images thatportray the negative and often intensely

racist stereotypes often found in latenineteenth century and early twentiethcentury visual culture. These materialswill help to augment and localize thecontent of For All the World to See. Withmaterials ranging from nineteenth centurytrade figures and advertisements to imagesfrom twentieth century local minstrelshows, “Hurtful Things” providespowerful evidence of the way racialstereotypes were perpetuated, and suffusedthroughout American culture.

Programming to accompany For All theWorld to See is still in development. Twoprograms, however, have already beenscheduled. On Saturday, September 20, theMercer Museum will host a screening ofthe award-winning documentary, Standingon My Sister’s Shoulders, a film about theCivil Rights Movement as seen through the

eyes of women who lived it – and whobecame grassroots leaders in the struggle.Joining us for the showing will be the film’sproducer, Joan Sadoff. Also, on Saturday,October 18, the museum will present anextraordinary musical performance, WeShall Not Be Moved, featuring songs andreadings expressive of the Civil Rightsstruggle of the 1950s and 1960s. Theconcert will feature Philadelphia-areavocalist Keith Spencer, whose resumeincludes performances at venues rangingfrom Bristol’s Riverside Theater toBroadway. The concert is presented incollaboration with On Demand! Concertsand Events.

Watch for more information about ForAll the World to See, and all of itsaccompanying programs, in our fallcalendar of events. ■

Student Photography Inspired by Fonthill

Detail of the Dormer Room. Photo by student, Erin Maguire. CB West student capturing an unusualperspective in the Breakfast Room of Fonthill.

…continued on page 15

14

Reputations are fragile. Mere rumorscan shatter them, even rumors first

espoused a century later. So it was for Patriot Captain, Robert Gibson.

The American Revolution wastumultuous and polarizing, turning friendsinto mortal enemies. Next-door neighborsRobert Gibson and Moses Doan, similarlyaged eldest sons in large Quaker families,were both born leaders. In 1775, theirpaths diverged – Patriot volunteer Gibsoncaptained the Plumstead militia, while“attainted traytor” Doan led a gang of 32outlaws.

The Revolution ended in 1781, but theDoan Gang’s crime spree continued. Aninfamous raid on the Bucks CountyTreasury in Newtown was followed bymany more robberies, culminating in aseries of assaults on the evening of July21, 1783. On that terror-filled night, thegang invaded six homes, includingGibson’s. The Bucks community waspetrified as the outlaws continued to eludecapture.

Five weeks later, on August 28, 1783, a14-man militia posse hunted down threeDoan outlaws. A shootout ensued, andRobert Gibson fatally shot Moses Doan.The Pennsylvania Gazette newspaperreported Doan was resisting arrest whenshot. The Pennsylvania SupremeExecutive Council authorized lethal forceand tripled rewards for apprehension.

Shockingly, Gibson is transformedfrom Patriot Captain into Tory outlaw, notthen but 92 years later, after a family storyis published in Bucks County historybooks.*

In 1875, William Keichline wrote aboutRevolutionary days at the Piper Tavern inBedminster. He described how his bravegrandmother, Eve Piper, single-handedlyassaulted Gibson and Geddis, called “Doanfriends and companions.” She brokeGeddis’ arm; he sued, but widespreadpublic wrath forced him to drop the lawsuit.

Keichline speculated that Gibson killedDoan to avoid implication in gang crimes.

More than unsubstantiated andimplausible, this tall tale is provably false.The Pipers bought the tavern in 1784, afterthe Revolution — and even more salient,after the Doan gang essentially disbandedpost-shootout. There is no record of anyGeddis or Gibson lawsuit and there is alsono Gibson or Geddis on the lists of 32known gang members.

If militiamen with rifles were afraid tojoin a 14-man posse to confront threeoutlaws, surely unarmed Eve Piper wouldnot attack two alone. After Doan robbedGibson and Gibson killed Doan, surely noone would call them friends and surely nooutlaw would initiate a lawsuit, butespecially not an outlaw wanted dead-or-alive.

Furthermore, the silence is deafening.In 92 years, no letter, affidavit, newspaperarticle, or book mentioned Gibson’s gang

membership or Eve Piper’s incrediblydaring Doan gang scuffle. In spite of suchreputed widespread public wrath, therewas never any mention by fellow Patriots,Bucks neighbors, 32 Doan gang outlaws,or even Eve Piper herself or her children.

Perhaps Keichline simply confusednames and dates. Eve Piper did assault twoin the tavern, but it was Elizabeth Overholtand tavern-owner Joseph Braden, in 1782.A Gibson and a Geddis did visit the Piper tavern together, but it was to ratify the American Constitution in 1788.

Are shattered reputations irreparable?Is Patriot Captain Gibson’s? How can amoment of slander speak louder than alifetime of actions? ■

*First published by W.W.H. Davis in his 1876 ofBucks County, and subsequently recounted inBucks histories by Battle (1887), and the BucksCounty Historical Society (1904-1920).

THE DEATH OF MAJOR KENNEDY AND MOSES DOAN. From the Piratical and Tragical Almanac for 1846.Collection of the Houghton Library, Harvard University (APA.P664A.1846). This fanciful woodcut,published long after the incident, tries to capture the scene in which the outlaw Doan, as well as amember of the militia posse, are killed in a cabin near Tohickon Creek

References: Pennsylvania Archives (Colonial Records v11, v13, v14; Series 1 v9, v12; Series 2 v14; Series 3 v13; Series 4 v3; Series 5 v5; Series 6 v3, v13), landrecords, wills and estate records, military records, Bucks County Court records (1782 Eve Piper criminal papers #3097), Pennsylvania Gazette (3/5/1783,9/3/1783, 8/9/1786, 9/3/1788), Chronological tables For Every Day in the Year (1817 by Shallus), Historic tales of olden time: concerning the early settlementand progress of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania (1833 by Watson), Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in the olden time (1842 by Watson), Annals of theRevolution: A History of the Doans (1843 by Brooke), The Piratical and Tragical Almanac, for 1846 (1845 by Perry), letter (1846 by Sam Hart to John McAllister),Doylestown Watchtower (1/4/1853-3/1/1853), Democratic Standard (11/1/1859-12/20/1859), The History of the Hart Family (1867 by Davis), The Cuttalossa andits Historical, Traditional and Poetical Associations (1873 by Buck in the Bucks County Intelligencer), The History of Bucks County (1876, 1892, 1905, 1920,by Davis/BCHS), The Doane Family and Their Descendants (1902 by Doane), Robert Gibson genealogy (2013 website by Hay). More details: http://haygenealogy.com/hay/ sources/gibson/doans-spy.html

Moses Doan and Robert Gibson, and the Immortality of a Reputation

By Donna Hay

Some of these photographs were of more “traditional” aspects of the castle. These were printed in an 8” x 10” formatof architectural details or interesting perspectives seen through-out the building. Other students printed multiple copies of anabstract image, and flipped the negative to create a mirrorimage. The student photographers then used these photos toform a new design. The result is like looking at Fonthill througha kaleidoscope!

We have been very fortunate that for a number of years, we have been able to share the results of the students’ work with our guests. The photographs have been displayed in the Conservatory of Fonthill for several weeks at the end ofeach school year. In addition, we have been posting digitalversions of the photographs on the museum’s Facebook

page. This partnership with our local schools is an activity we hope will continue for years to come. If you are a teacher and would like to learn more about how Fonthill andyour class could work together, please contact Edward Reidell, Fonthill’s Site Administrator. His e-mail address isereidell@fonthillmuseum.org. ■

Our museums are most appreciative ofproject support from public and foun-

dation sources which make it possible forus to serve a diverse audience. In spite ofa severe reduction in public funds avail-able to museums, our museums continueto be competitive for the funds that areavailable.

The Pew Charitable Trusts through itsPhiladelphia Cultural Leadership Program(PCLP) has provided a two year grant of$120,000 for 2014-2016. The generaloperations grant provides critical supportfor the Bucks County Historical Society.These funds represent the final grantthrough this long standing program insupport of excellence in culturalorganizations. Visit Bucks County, through its TourismGrant Program, through its Tourism GrantProgram has provided important funds tomarket changing exhibitions at the Mercer

Museum to audiences outside BucksCounty. A grant of $30,000 in 2013provided the means to market the CivilWar exhibit from the Mercer’s ownextensive collections to a wide audience.For 2014 the CVB operating now as VisitBucks County has provided $25,000 for a joint marketing initiative of “TheCastles of Doylestown”. These funds willunderwrite cooperative advertising withother Bucks County venues for both theMercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.Online media and marketing is included inthis initiative as well.

The Bucks County Foundationprovided generous support in 2013 of$7,500 toward the engaging MercerMuseum exhibit: Step Right Up! Behindthe Scenes of the Circus Big Top, 1890-1965. BCF funds made it possible tomount the exhibit and market it to BucksCounty families. The Bucks County

Foundation’s mission is to enhance thequality of life of county residents.

The Mercer Museum’s educationprograms have been supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, afederal agency. PCA awarded the MercerMuseum a $4,861 grant in 2013 throughits regional arts funding partnership,Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA).PPA is administered in this region by theGreater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

Foundations Community Partnershipprovided a grant of $10,000 in 2013 tofurther safeguard the collections of theresearch library of the Mercer Museum andenhance access to collections. The NormanRaab Foundation provided $25,000 inaudio visual and electronic upgrades to theMercer’s Putman Learning Center. ■

15

Cory Amsler, The Mercer Museum’s Vice President of Collections &Interpretation, holds the “2014 Institutional Achievement” award fromthe PA Museums Association, in honor of the Mercer’s exhibit, TurningPoints: Civil War, 1863-1864. The award was presented in April.

Grants Support Exhibits and Projects

Kaleidoscope image take in the Dormer Room. Photo by student, Brooke Durkin.

Student Photography Inspired by Fonthill continued from page 13

The Mercer Museum Receives Award from

PA Museums Association

16

Molly Lowell, Executive Vice Presi-dent of Operations & Communica-

tions for the Bucks County HistoricalSociety, celebrates 25 years of serviceand as she makes her own historythrough this milestone achievement, wethought you would enjoy learning a littlemore about her.

A Q&A with Molly…1. What first brought you to BucksCounty and specifically the BucksCounty Historical Society?

I first visited the Mercer Museum andFonthill in 1987, when I was director ofthe Mid-Atlantic Association of Museumsbased in Delaware. With my Master’sdegree in Folklore, I was drawn to theextraordinary Mercer collections and thevision of Henry Mercer. When the thennew position of Associate Director at theMercer Museum became available in1989, I jumped at the chance to work here.

2. How have things changed at Mercerand Fonthill in the 25 years sinceyou’ve been here?

The museum field as a whole hasbecome more complex. The public’sinterest in history and museums has alsochanged, leading to challenges to reachout to new audiences. Marketing was

incidental twenty years ago. Today, weare vying with all sorts of non-profitsdoing good work also seeking publicattention and financial support.Historically, we relied on the touristaudience; today our strength is in havingvisitors within the region return formultiple visits. Changing exhibits andexperiences are critical to our viability.

3. What is your greatest organizationalaccomplishment?

Spearheading initial Accreditation bythe American Association of Museums,which was first achieved in 1992. Thatwas my first major project with theorganization.

4. What do you like about workinghere?

The behind-the-scenes work at anymuseum or non-profit is as involved as any business. No two days are alike, and I enjoy the variety of projects, from long-range planning to coordinating a volunteer service project.However, it is all the amazing people I’ve met over the years—as members,volunteers, donors, staff—that make it all worthwhile. Their enthusiasm andcommitment are what makes it possiblefor the museums and library to flourish as they do.

With the endorsement of Doug Dolan,Executive Director, I’ve had theopportunity to serve as a museumaccreditation and assessment reviewer.Over the years, I’ve visited museumsaround the country to learn about their successes and challenges. Thatinformation has been extremely valuableto our situation here. ■

Making Her Own History

BCHS Vice President, Molly Lowell, standing inthe Mercer Museum’s Central Court. Photo byAllure West Studios.

Left to right: Emma Najibi and Brooke Spencer,Central Bucks West High School, First Place

Winners, Senior Group Exhibit, “We Believe thatit Does: Brown v. Board of Education.” Left to right: Ali Tomasevich, Sara Mack, and Rachel Smith, Souderton Area High

School, Third Place Winners, Senior Group Performance, “The Evolution of AA.”

SAVE THE DATE: The Bucks and Montgomery Counties’ Regional Competition will take place on Saturday, March 28 in 2015!

The Regional History Day Competition for

Bucks and Montgomery Counties took

place at Ursinus College on March 22, 2014.

Congratulations to all student participants! To

view a list of this year’s winners, please visit

http://www.nhbucksmont.org/.

Congratulations to History Day Students!

17

Fonthill Questers Support Drapery Reproduction

The Terrace Bedroom at FonthillCastle will get a bit of a

makeover thanks to recent grantsfrom the Fonthill Questers and Penn-sylvania State Questers. In April theFonthill Questers presented checkstotaling $1,800 to support the fabri-cation of new window coverings,which will replicate the originaldraperies, comprised of a heavywoven tapestry material, purchasedand installed in the Terrace Room byHenry Mercer in 1916.

Although it is impossible to matchperfectly the fabric used by Mercer,the new draperies will replicate thelook, feel and scenic quality of theoriginal textile. Consulting on theproject is Kathleen Appel, a local interior designer and Fonthill weekend guide. Kathywill assist with acquiring an appropriate fabric, and produce the finished drapery.

Over the past several years a number of Fonthill window treatments have beenreproduced with the assistance and support of area Questers groups. We are indebtedto the Fonthill Questers for their support of this latest project. ■

For the last five years,local brew fans and

breweries have gatheredin the shadow of thebeautiful Fonthill Castleto celebrate craft beersand local foods duringour annual BreweryNight. For 2014, thisfundraiser has moved tothe afternoon of Satur-day, August 23, from 2-5 p.m. to expand andaccommodate the growing interest in this event. This change will offer guests the opportunity to sample a larger variety of high quality drafts from around the country, along with the tremendous local and regional breweries and homebrewers traditional to this event. Beers will be paired with locally grown andprepared foods and live music from the band, Hot Bijouxx. Tickets are $45/$40for members, and can be purchased by calling 215-348-9461. All proceeds goto the education programs at the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. The eventis made possible through the generous sponsorship of Origlio Beverage and Senator Chuck McIlhinney.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To inquire, call 215-348-9461, ext.210.

In the Nook: Lawns and GardensJust in time for planting (and growing)

season, the Mercer Museum is display-ing a selection of historical lawn-and gar-den-related objects in the Great Hall “nook,”through summer 2014. Included: is a plantermade by Henry’s brother, William Mercer(1862–1939). William was a craftsman whosculpted and cast concrete garden pieces,exhibiting his work in Philadelphia and Eu-

rope. Bright-ening thedisplay arecolorful en-largementstaken f romthe pagesof 19th-and 20th-century an-nuals andcataloguesfrom the W.Atlee BurpeeCompany inthe MercerLibrary Col-lection.

LOCAL QUESTERS PRESENT CHECKS FOR FONTHILLDRAPERY PROJECT. Fonthill Questers Marcia McCarthyand Ginny Clemens (center left and right), are joined byCory Amsler, BCHS Vice President for Collections andInterpretation (far right), and Kathy Appel, interiordesigner and textile consultant (far left) in Fonthill’sTerrace Bedroom.

Career Day at Souderton Area

High School

The Bucks County Historical Society’sEducation Department participated

in Souderton Area High School’s CareerDay Program on April 3, 2014. This eventwas created as a component of theschool’s Career Pathway Initiative. Thegoal for this program is to encouragestudents to think about their post-highschool goals. This is accomplished bypromoting engaging conversations be-tween the students and many within theircommunity and school to assist them inpreparing for the future. Career Day al-lowed students to ask thought provok-ing questions to many of the communityparticipants in the areas of Arts & Humanities, Health & Human Services,Industry & Engineering and Business & Communications. For more informa-tion on this program please visithttp://sahs.soudertonsd.org/pathways/.

COVER OF BURPEE’S SEEDS, 1888(Mercer Library Collection).

New Beer Event at Fonthill!

Programs at MercerAmerica’s Roads Program Series: Off the Beaten Path–RoadsideDelights of the ‘50s & ‘60s Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m.

America’s Roads Program Series: Greetings from Bucks County!Sunday, August 10, 2 p.m.

Doylestown Walking Tour: “Car Culture”Friday, August 15 5:30 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Adults: $11/$9 members Children (6-12): $6/$4 members

Matchbox/Hotwheels Derby DaySaturday, August 16, Noon-3 p.m.

Stories Under the Trees with Darcy FairTuesday, August 5 & Saturday, August 23Noon – 1 p.m. Mercer Museum GroundsFree.

La Citadelle: Layle Lane Civil Rights PioneerSaturday, September 13, 2 p.m.

Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting:Amish QuiltsMonday, September 15, 12:30 p.m. Free.

Film Showing and Discussion: Standing on My Sisters’ ShouldersSaturday, September 20, 2 p.m.

Distinguished Lecture: “For All theWorld to See: Photography and VisualMedia in Movements for Change”Saturday, September 27, 2 p.m.$12/$10 members; students $6 w/ID

Theatrical Concert: We Shall Not Be Moved!Saturday, October 18, 3 p.m.$15/$12 members

Cocktails at the Castle…A Savory Exploration to Benefit the Mercer MuseumFriday, October 10, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.$150/$125 members

Mercer by Moonlight ToursFriday, October 24, 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.$12/$10 members, $10/$8 youth under 12

Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting:Early Pennsylvania Christmas Trees:The Witte Family Trees at Haupt Mill,Springtown, Pa, c. 1900Monday, November 17, 12:30 p.m. Free.

Holiday Open HouseTuesday, December 9, 7- 9 p.m.Free.

Programs at Fonthill CastleTower Tour for FamiliesSaturdays: Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6 10:30 & 11:45 a.m.

Fonthill Beer Fest Saturday, August 23, 3 – 5 p.m.

Fiction Writing WorkshopTuesdays, September 23 – October 287 – 8:30 p.m. $175 adults/$125 member adults

Mercer’s Night Tales Friday October 17 7 – 8:30 p.m.$20/$15 members

Behind the Scenes TourSaturday, October 25 & Saturday, November 16:30-9 p.m. $15/$12 members

Winter Wonderland: Holiday Decorations at FonthillSaturday, November 29 – Sunday, January 4Regular Tours

Holiday Festivities for the FamilySunday, December 7Noon - 4 p.m.Fonthill Castle & Moravian Pottery and Tile WorksFree

Fonthill Holiday Lights MeanderSaturday, December 136:30-9:30 p.m. (Arrival Times: 6:30-8:30 p.m.)$20 adults/$10 youth; $15 memberadults/$5 member youth.

Candlelight Holiday ToursSaturday, December 276:30 – 9 p.m.$15/$12 members

18

Summer - Fall 2014 Partial Calendar of Events

Exhibits at the Mercer

www.mercermuseum.org

America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66Through August 24

For All the World to See: Visual Culture & the Strugglefor Civil RightsSeptember 6 – October 26

Under the Tree: A Century ofHoliday Trees and ToysNovember 22, 2014 – January 4,2015

Camps at the CastlesLEGO™ Robotics Workshop – Basics TrekAug. 18-22 12:30-3:30 p.m.Mercer Museum

LEGO™ Robotics Workshop – Intermediate QuestAug. 4-8, 8:30-11:30 a.m.Mercer Museum

LEGO™ Robotics Workshop – Advanced II - EV3 ExpeditionMonday-Friday, Aug. 4-8 • 12:30-3:30 p.m. OR Aug. 18-22, 8:30 -11:30 a.m.Mercer Museum

Medieval CampJuly 28 – August 1, 9 a.m. – NoonFonthill Castle

Archaeology CampAugust 11-15, 9 a.m. – NoonFonthill Castle

19

Mercer Museum & Museum Shop84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930PHONE: 215-345-0210 FAX: 215-230-0823HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, noon–5 p.m.Also at the Mercer Museum: Research LibraryHOURS: Tuesday-Thursday, 1–5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fonthill CastleEast Court Street & Route 313, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930 PHONE: 215-348-9461 FAX: 215-348-9462HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, noon–5 p.m. (Guided tours only; reservations suggested)Members receive unlimited free admission to Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle.

Newsletter Gayle Shupack, EditorMolly Lowell, Associate Editor

Newsletter is a benefit of membership.

The Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle are administered by the Bucks County Historical Society.

General Information Check out our website at www.mercermuseum.org

It’s a perfume bottle. Donated to themuseum by Mr. and Mrs. Albert

Walton, this bottle dates to the firsthalf of the 20th century. It

was not uncommonfor perfume to be

kept in bottles ina variety of inter-

esting shapes and sizes, includingshoes, dogs, rabbits and even pigs! ■

Staff UpdateReplacing Shana Hawrylchak,

who departed the Mercer Mu-seum at the end of last year, is ournew Curator of Exhibits, MelissaClemmer. Melissa possesses a back-ground in exhibit development, inter-pretive planning, and graphic design.

The Mercer Museum is pleased towelcome Kelsey Ransick as the newCollections Assistant; Kelseyreplaces Carol Jones who retiredearlier this year. Kelsey is a recentgraduate from the University ofDelaware, earning her MA in Historyand a Certificate in Museum Studies.She has an extensive background in collections and archival management, mostrecently serving as the Curator and Archivist at the Arden Craft Shop Museum (DE)and in the Curatorial Department at Newlin Grist Mill. ■

That’s What theHeck It Is!Member

AppreciationWeeksMembers enjoy an extra 10%discount in the Mercer Shop for atotal discount of 20%.

Save these dates; shop forunique gifts:

August 18 – 24December 1 - 7

2014 BCHS Board of Trustees

BCHS 2014 OfficersBoard Chair William D. Maeglin

Vice-Chair Tom ThomasVice-Chair Richard D. Paynton, Jr.

Treasurer Michelle Pedersen Secretary John R. Augenblick

Past Chair Brian R. McLeod

Board of TrusteesDebbie Andrews

John R. AugenblickSydney Ann Beckett, Ph.D.

Melissa V. BondMaureen CarltonHeather Cevasco

Joseph R. FeilmeierSusan E. FisherDavid L. FrankeGrover J. Friend

Elizabeth H. Gemmill Susan Kane

Timothy D. KatsiffWilliam D. Maeglin

John N. MauroBrian R. McLeod

Bud NewmanRichard D. Paynton, Jr.

Michelle Pedersen Gustavo I. PereaStephen Raab

Michael B. RaphaelJonathan J. ReissKathleen Schea

William R. Schutt Tom Thomas

Anthony S. Volpe

Twelve Quester Chapters have contributed to the project to restore Fonthill's Concrete Gates.Pictured from left to right at the North Gate are: Penny Scancella and some members of MarquisQuesters, of Warwick, presenting a check to BCHS Executive Director, Doug Dolan. Nancy Bergere,President of PA Questers stands in the center of the North Street Gate. The North Street Gate will berestored in the Spring of 2015. The Questers will continue to lead the fundraising to restore all ofthe concrete gates.

continued from Back Page

Left to right: Melissa and Kelsey

NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

P A I DDOYLESTOWN, PA

PERMIT NO. 27484 S. Pine StreetDoylestown, PA 18901

View online tours of the

castles on our website at

www.mercermuseum.org or

follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Members visit Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle for FREE all year long!

Plan Your Holiday Party in Our Castles

www.mercermuseum.org/visit-us/facility-use.org

Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees and Toys

November 22, 2014- January 4, 2015

Exhibits at the Mercer

Eek! It’s mouse– who let that into the MercerMuseum? Wait just one second, it’s not a real mouse…it’s made ofglass! And look at his silly nose- there’s a cork in it. I wonder whatthis little fella had in his tummy? Answer on p. 19.

What the Heck Is It?

For All the World to See: Visual Culture & the Struggle for Civil Rights

September 6 – October 26

America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66

Through August 24

Accredited by: